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The University of West Alabama has just been ranked among the top colleges and universities in the state for 2020 in a nationwide ranking. UWA is ranked at number two, second only to the University of Alabama.

The national university and college rankings generated through an analysis by Wallethub are based on seven key factors: student selectivity, cost and financing, faculty resources, campus safety, campus experience, educational outcomes, and career outcomes. Public and private not-for-profit four-year or above schools were considered.

UWA earned top rankings for the state in both admission rate and gender and racial diversity.

“UWA can be particularly proud of this recognition, as our highest scores in the ranking reflect our ultimate priority, which is serving students,” said UWA President Ken Tucker. “Serving the educational needs of our students and the region is paramount for us, and we want to provide opportunities for every person who has educational and career goals, that they gain the knowledge, skills and abilities that pave the way for success in their careers and lives.”

Historically, UWA has been known by its students, alumni, and employees for its family atmosphere, where a large part of its image has been the safe and nurturing environment it provides for predominantly first-generation college students.

“We take great pride in developing meaningful relationships that allow us to all work together for the greater good,” Tucker said. “Our caring faculty and staff work closely with students to help guide them and offer support, encouragement, and mentoring, and on the other side of the coin, our faculty and staff collaborate with external partners to ensure that we can provide the experiences and resources that our students need, whether experiential learning and internship opportunities, scholarship support, career skills and prospects, study abroad through University partnerships, and so much more.”

UWA has long served the traditional college student through undergraduate programs. The university was one of the first four-year institutions in the southeast to also offer short-and long-term certificates, two-year degree programs and doctoral programs as well. UWA has five academic units, including the College of Business and Technology; Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education; College of Liberal Arts; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Ira D. Pruitt Division of Nursing. They offer nearly 100 academic programs.

The full ranking, along with methodology and findings, is available at wallethub.com/edu/e/college-rankings/40750/.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, November 6 issue of the Demopolis Times.)